Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A wireless communication apparatus, comprising: (a) a wireless communication circuit configured as a wireless station for wirelessly communicating with other wireless communication stations; (b) a computer processor coupled to said wireless communication circuit; and (c) a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing instructions executable by the computer processor; (d) wherein said instructions, when executed by the computer processor, perform steps comprising: (i) communicating from the wireless station acting as a source station to the other wireless communication stations utilizing a routing protocol; (ii) determining that the source station is a multiple-input-multiple-output source station and has multiple simultaneous spatial data streams to be routed, and setting up a primary path and a secondary path, comprising: (A) performing primary path discovery for the source station by sending an extended routing request (RREQ) with a route flag set to the primary path and containing MIMO capability information in establishing communications from the source wireless communication station to a destination wireless communication station, through intermediate wireless communication stations; (B) receiving an extended routing reply (RREP), to an extended routing request (RREQ), from the destination wireless communication station; (C) performing secondary path discovery, in response to receiving an extended routing reply from the destination wireless station, by sending an extended routing request (RREQ) with the route flag set to the secondary path and containing MIMO capability information in establishing communications along the secondary path; (iii) wherein an intermediate wireless communication station receiving an extended routing request (RREQ) with the route flag set to the secondary path adjusts path cost metric, including adjusting the metric based on whether stations have MIMO capability, for an independent next hop and broadcasting this extended routing request (RREQ) to neighboring stations if no previous routing reply (RREP) was received having identical addressing as the received extended routing request (RREQ); (iv) determining, by intermediate wireless communication stations taking a localized action in recognizing that secondary path segments are not part of the primary path, and adjusting a path cost metric to secure said secondary path as independent of said primary path, and adjusting the cost metric in response to determining signal processing capability, including whether the stations have multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability; and (v) transmitting data from the source wireless communication station on the primary path and the secondary path simultaneously, toward the destination wireless communication station, to provide air-time saving by transmitting different data simultaneously along two paths; and (vi) wherein if it is determined that the source station is not MIMO capable, then the routing process falls back to a conventional routing protocol using a conventional (non-extended) routing request (RREQ).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data transmission efficiency in multi-hop networks using multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technology. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of conventional routing protocols that do not leverage MIMO capabilities to transmit data simultaneously over multiple paths, leading to suboptimal air-time utilization. The wireless communication apparatus includes a wireless communication circuit, a computer processor, and a non-transitory memory storing executable instructions. The apparatus operates as a wireless station that communicates with other stations using a routing protocol. When the source station is MIMO-capable and has multiple simultaneous spatial data streams, it sets up a primary and a secondary path. Primary path discovery is performed by sending an extended routing request (RREQ) with a route flag indicating the primary path and including MIMO capability information. The destination station responds with an extended routing reply (RREP). Secondary path discovery follows, where another extended RREQ is sent with the route flag set to the secondary path, also containing MIMO capability information. Intermediate stations receiving the secondary path RREQ adjust path cost metrics based on MIMO capabilities and broadcast the RREQ if no previous RREP with identical addressing was received. Intermediate stations recognize secondary path segments as independent of the primary path and adjust cost metrics accordingly, considering signal processing capabilities, including MIMO. Data is then transmitted simultaneously over both paths to the destination, saving air-time by sending different data streams concurrently. If the source station lacks MIMO capability, the system falls back
2. The apparatus of claim 1 : wherein said extended routing request (RREQ) adds a route indicator and multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability information to the addressing information of a conventional (non-extended) routing request (RREQ); wherein said instructions when executed by the computer processor are configured for causing an intermediate wireless communication station receiving an extended routing request (RREQ) with the route flag set to the secondary path to adjust path cost metric for an independent next hop and broadcasting this extended routing request (RREQ) to neighboring stations if no previous routing reply (RREP) was received having identical addressing as the received extended routing request (RREQ).
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically improving routing efficiency in multi-hop environments using multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technology. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of conventional routing protocols in dynamically selecting optimal paths while accounting for MIMO capabilities and alternative routes. The apparatus includes a computer processor executing instructions to enhance routing request (RREQ) messages. An extended RREQ adds a route indicator and MIMO capability information to the addressing data of standard RREQs. When an intermediate wireless station receives an extended RREQ with the route flag set to a secondary path, it adjusts the path cost metric for an independent next hop. If no prior routing reply (RREP) with matching addressing has been received, the station broadcasts the extended RREQ to neighboring stations. This mechanism enables dynamic path selection based on MIMO capabilities and alternative routes, improving network efficiency and reliability. The system ensures that routing decisions consider both primary and secondary paths, optimizing data transmission in wireless mesh networks.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said routing protocol is an extension of an ad-hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocol.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving routing protocols in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). The problem addressed is the inefficiency and unreliability of traditional routing protocols in dynamic, decentralized networks where nodes frequently move and connections change. The invention enhances the ad-hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocol to optimize path selection and reduce communication overhead. The extended AODV protocol includes mechanisms for dynamic route discovery, maintenance, and failure recovery, ensuring stable and efficient data transmission despite node mobility. The apparatus implements this protocol to establish and maintain routes between nodes, prioritizing paths with lower latency and higher reliability. Additional features may include adaptive route metrics, energy-aware routing, or security enhancements to further improve performance in challenging environments. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios requiring robust, self-configuring networks, such as military communications, disaster recovery, or sensor networks. The extended AODV protocol dynamically adjusts to network changes, minimizing disruptions and ensuring continuous connectivity.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said extended routing request (RREQ) and said extended routing reply (RREP) are configured with different sequence identifiers than conventional (non-extended) routing request (RREQ) and routing reply (RREP), allowing stations to distinguish whether conventional or extended routing messages are being communicated.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically improving routing protocols to support extended functionality. The problem addressed is the inability of conventional routing protocols to distinguish between standard and extended routing messages, which can lead to compatibility issues and inefficient network operation. The apparatus includes a wireless communication system that uses extended routing request (RREQ) and routing reply (RREP) messages. These extended messages are configured with unique sequence identifiers that differ from those used in conventional RREQ and RREP messages. This distinction allows stations (nodes) in the network to identify whether a message is part of a standard routing process or an extended routing process. The extended messages may carry additional information or perform specialized functions beyond those of conventional messages, such as supporting advanced routing algorithms, quality-of-service (QoS) parameters, or security features. By using different sequence identifiers, the system ensures that nodes can correctly interpret and process the extended messages without interference from conventional routing operations. This prevents misrouting, reduces unnecessary message processing, and improves overall network efficiency. The apparatus may also include mechanisms to generate, transmit, and receive these extended messages while maintaining compatibility with legacy nodes that only support conventional routing protocols. The solution enhances routing flexibility and scalability in wireless networks.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said instructions when executed by the computer processor are configured for utilizing said extended routing request (RREQ) and routing reply (RREP) information elements which contain a distinct extended identifier which differentiates them from a conventional (non-extended) routing request (RREQ) and routing reply (RREP), and each contain a routing flag indicating a selection between the primary path and the secondary path.
This invention relates to wireless communication networks, specifically improving routing protocols to enhance reliability and redundancy. The problem addressed is the lack of robust path selection in conventional routing protocols, which can lead to single points of failure and reduced network resilience. The apparatus includes a computer processor executing instructions to manage routing in a wireless network. The system uses extended routing request (RREQ) and routing reply (RREP) information elements, which are modified versions of standard RREQ and RREP messages. These extended messages include a distinct identifier to differentiate them from conventional routing messages, ensuring compatibility with legacy systems while enabling enhanced functionality. Each extended RREQ and RREP contains a routing flag that allows the network to select between a primary path and a secondary path. This flag enables dynamic path switching, improving reliability by providing alternative routes when the primary path fails or becomes congested. The system ensures seamless integration with existing routing protocols while introducing redundancy and fault tolerance. The invention is particularly useful in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) and other dynamic wireless environments where path stability is critical. By distinguishing extended routing messages and incorporating path selection flags, the system enhances network robustness without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said instructions when executed by the computer processor are configured for utilizing the conventional routing request (RREQ) when the wireless communication circuit is operating as a source wireless communication station which lacks multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing routing in networks where some devices lack multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability. The problem solved is ensuring reliable communication in heterogeneous networks where devices have varying capabilities, particularly when a source device lacks MIMO support. The apparatus includes a wireless communication circuit and a computer processor executing instructions to manage routing. When the wireless communication circuit operates as a source station without MIMO capability, the system uses a conventional routing request (RREQ) to establish communication paths. This ensures compatibility with legacy devices and maintains network functionality without requiring MIMO support. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as determining the presence of MIMO capability in neighboring devices and dynamically adjusting routing protocols accordingly. The system prioritizes conventional routing methods when MIMO is unavailable, ensuring seamless integration with non-MIMO devices while optimizing performance for those that support it. This approach enhances interoperability in mixed-capability wireless networks.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said instructions when executed by the computer processor are configured for transmitting data along only the primary path if it is determined that the destination wireless communication station does not have multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data transmission efficiency in networks with heterogeneous devices. The problem addressed is optimizing data routing in environments where some wireless stations lack advanced capabilities like multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO), which can handle multiple data streams simultaneously. The solution involves an apparatus with a computer processor executing instructions to analyze the capabilities of destination wireless stations. When transmitting data, the system checks whether the destination station supports MIMO. If the destination lacks MIMO capability, the apparatus transmits data exclusively along a primary path, bypassing alternative paths that might be optimized for MIMO-enabled devices. This ensures compatibility with legacy devices while maintaining efficient data flow. The apparatus may also include components for determining available communication paths and evaluating station capabilities, ensuring the system adapts dynamically to network conditions. The invention improves reliability and performance in mixed-capability wireless networks by intelligently routing data based on device capabilities.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said instructions when executed by the computer processor are configured for operating in different modes, comprising source wireless communication station, intermediate wireless communication station, and destination wireless communication station, depending on what role said apparatus is fulfilling within a current communication context.
This invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus designed to operate in multiple roles within a network, addressing the need for flexible and adaptable communication nodes. The apparatus includes a computer processor and instructions that, when executed, enable the device to function as either a source, intermediate, or destination wireless communication station depending on its role in a given communication context. As a source station, the apparatus initiates data transmission to another node. As an intermediate station, it relays data between other nodes, acting as a router or repeater. As a destination station, it receives and processes incoming data. The apparatus dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on network requirements, improving efficiency and reducing the need for dedicated hardware for each role. This adaptability is particularly useful in mesh networks, ad-hoc networks, or scenarios where nodes must switch roles frequently. The invention enhances network flexibility by consolidating multiple functions into a single device, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining robust communication capabilities.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said wireless communication circuit comprises a single-input-single-output (SISO) wireless communication circuit.
A wireless communication apparatus includes a single-input-single-output (SISO) wireless communication circuit for transmitting and receiving signals. The apparatus is designed to address challenges in wireless communication systems, particularly in environments where signal integrity and reliability are critical. The SISO circuit simplifies the communication architecture by using a single antenna for both transmission and reception, reducing complexity and cost compared to multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems. This configuration is suitable for applications where high data rates are not the primary requirement, but robustness and efficiency are prioritized. The apparatus may also include additional components such as a processor for signal processing and a power management system to optimize energy consumption. The SISO design ensures compatibility with existing wireless standards while maintaining a compact and cost-effective form factor. This solution is particularly useful in IoT devices, sensor networks, and other applications where simplicity and reliability are key considerations.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said single-input-single-output (SISO) wireless communication circuit, comprises: (a) a transmitter data processor which receives source data, processes it for transmission according to the routing protocol; (b) a modulator receiving digital output from said transmitter data processor, converting it to an analog TX signal; (c) an analog spatial processor coupled to multiple antennas, and configured for receiving said analog TX signal and coupling this to the multiple antennas for wireless transmission; (d) a demodulator receiving analog input from said analog spatial processor, converting it to a digital signal; and (e) a receiver data processor which receives digital signals from said demodulator, and generates a sink data stream for output.
This invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus designed for efficient data transmission and reception using a single-input-single-output (SISO) architecture. The apparatus addresses the challenge of optimizing wireless communication by integrating multiple components to process and transmit data while maintaining signal integrity. The apparatus includes a transmitter data processor that receives source data and processes it according to a routing protocol, preparing it for transmission. The processed digital data is then fed into a modulator, which converts it into an analog transmission (TX) signal. This analog signal is passed to an analog spatial processor connected to multiple antennas, which distributes the signal across the antennas for wireless transmission. On the receiving end, the analog spatial processor captures incoming signals from the antennas and forwards them to a demodulator. The demodulator converts the analog input back into a digital signal, which is then processed by a receiver data processor. The receiver data processor reconstructs the original data stream, generating a sink data output. This design ensures efficient data handling, signal conversion, and spatial processing, enhancing wireless communication performance in SISO systems. The apparatus is particularly useful in applications requiring reliable and structured data transmission over wireless channels.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said wireless communication circuit comprises a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication circuit.
A wireless communication apparatus is designed to enhance data transmission efficiency and reliability in wireless networks. The apparatus includes a wireless communication circuit configured to transmit and receive data wirelessly. To improve performance, the wireless communication circuit incorporates a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system, which uses multiple antennas at both the transmitter and receiver to increase data throughput and signal quality. MIMO technology leverages spatial diversity and multiplexing to mitigate interference, reduce errors, and support higher data rates compared to single-antenna systems. The apparatus may also include additional components such as a processor for signal processing, memory for storing data, and a power supply to ensure stable operation. The MIMO configuration allows the apparatus to adapt to varying channel conditions, making it suitable for applications in high-density wireless environments like cellular networks, Wi-Fi systems, and IoT devices. By utilizing multiple antennas, the apparatus achieves better spectral efficiency and coverage, addressing challenges related to signal degradation and limited bandwidth in wireless communications.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication circuit, comprises: (a) a transmitter data processor which receives source data, processes it for transmission according to the routing protocol; (b) a transmitter spatial processor which spatially converts the output from said transmitter data processor to spatial outputs; (c) a plurality of modulators each receiving one of the spatial outputs and converting it to an analog TX signal; (d) an analog spatial processor coupled to multiple antennas, and configured for receiving said analog TX signal from each of said plurality of modulators and coupling this to the multiple antennas for wireless transmission; (e) a plurality of demodulators receiving analog input from said analog spatial processor, converting it to digital receiver signals; (f) a receiver spatial processor which receives digital receiver signals from said plurality of demodulators, and spatially processes them into a digital data output; and (g) a receiver data processor which receives digital data output from said receiver spatial processor from which it generates a sink data stream for output.
This invention relates to a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication apparatus designed to enhance data transmission efficiency and reliability in wireless networks. The apparatus addresses the challenge of optimizing signal processing in MIMO systems to improve throughput and reduce errors in wireless communications. The MIMO wireless communication circuit includes a transmitter data processor that receives source data and processes it according to a routing protocol for transmission. A transmitter spatial processor then converts the processed data into spatial outputs, which are fed into multiple modulators. Each modulator converts a spatial output into an analog transmit (TX) signal. These analog TX signals are then received by an analog spatial processor, which is coupled to multiple antennas and distributes the signals for wireless transmission. On the receiving end, the analog spatial processor also receives incoming analog signals from the antennas and passes them to a plurality of demodulators. These demodulators convert the analog signals into digital receiver signals, which are then processed by a receiver spatial processor to extract spatial information. The processed digital data is further refined by a receiver data processor, which generates a sink data stream for output. This structured approach ensures efficient spatial multiplexing and diversity, enhancing overall communication performance in MIMO systems.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is utilized in a communication application selected from the group of wireless communication applications consisting of: wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), wireless multiple hop relaying networks, peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, outdoor wireless communications, Wi-Fi networks, Internet of things (IoT) applications, backhauling of data by mesh networking, next generation cellular networks with D2D communications, 802.11 networks, and ZigBee.
This invention relates to an apparatus for use in wireless communication systems, addressing challenges in signal transmission and reception across various wireless network types. The apparatus is designed to enhance communication efficiency, reliability, and coverage in diverse wireless environments, including wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), wireless multiple hop relaying networks, peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, outdoor wireless communications, Wi-Fi networks, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, backhauling of data by mesh networking, next-generation cellular networks with device-to-device (D2D) communications, 802.11 networks, and ZigBee. The apparatus likely incorporates advanced signal processing, antenna configurations, or protocol optimizations to improve performance in these applications. For example, it may include adaptive beamforming, interference mitigation techniques, or dynamic frequency allocation to optimize data transmission in dense or high-mobility scenarios. The invention aims to provide robust and scalable solutions for modern wireless communication needs, ensuring seamless connectivity and high data throughput in complex network topologies.
14. A wireless communication apparatus, comprising: (a) a wireless communication circuit configured as a wireless station for wirelessly communicating with other wireless communication stations; (b) a computer processor coupled to said wireless communication circuit; and (c) a non-transitory computer-readable memory storing instructions executable by the computer processor; (d) wherein said instructions, when executed by the computer processor, perform steps comprising: (i) communicating from the wireless station acting as a source station to the other wireless communication stations utilizing a routing protocol; (ii) determining that the source station is a multiple-input-multiple-output source station and has multiple simultaneous spatial data streams to be routed, and setting up a primary path and secondary path, comprising: (A) performing primary path discovery for the multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capable source wireless communication station by sending an extended routing request (RREQ) containing a routing flag set to the primary path and containing multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability information in establishing communications from the source wireless communication station to the destination wireless communication station, through intermediate wireless communication stations; (B) wherein performing primary and secondary path discovery is performed in response to utilizing extended routing request (RREQ) and extended routing reply (RREP) information elements sent to neighboring stations, which extend the conventional RREQ and RREP information elements by adding the routing flag indicating a selection between the primary path and the secondary path, and utilizing different sequence identifiers than a non-extended routing request (RREQ) and non-extended routing reply (RREP), allowing stations to distinguish whether conventional or extended routing messages are being communicated; (C) receiving an extended routing reply (RREP) from the destination wireless communication station which indicates that the destination wireless communication station is capable of performing multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communications; (D) performing secondary path discovery, in response to the destination wireless communication station being capable of performing multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communications, by sending an extended routing request (RREQ) with the route flag set to the secondary path and MIMO capability information in establishing communications along the secondary path with the destination wireless communication station; (iii) wherein intermediate wireless communication stations receiving an extended routing request (RREQ) containing the route flag set to the secondary path, performs adjusting path cost for an independent next hop, including adjusting the metric based on whether stations have MIMO capability, and broadcasting this extended routing request (RREQ) to neighboring stations if no previous routing reply (RREP) was received with the same addressing as the received extended routing request (RREQ); (iv) determining by intermediate stations taking a localized action in recognizing that secondary path segments are not part of the primary path and adjusting a path cost metric to secure said secondary path as independent of said primary path, and adjusting the cost metric according to whether stations along that route are single-input-single-output (SISO) or multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capable; (v) transmitting data from the source wireless communication station on the primary path and the secondary path simultaneously, toward the destination wireless communication station, when both the source wireless communication station and the destination wireless communication station are configured for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communications, to provide air-time savings by transmitting different data simultaneously along two paths; and (vi) wherein if it is determined that the source station is not MIMO capable, then the routing process falls back to a conventional routing protocol using a conventional (non-extended) routing request (RREQ).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data transmission efficiency in multi-hop networks using multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technology. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of conventional routing protocols that do not leverage MIMO capabilities for parallel data transmission. The apparatus includes a wireless communication circuit acting as a station, a processor, and memory storing instructions for executing a routing protocol. The system identifies a MIMO-capable source station with multiple spatial data streams and establishes both primary and secondary paths to a destination station. Primary path discovery involves sending an extended routing request (RREQ) with a routing flag indicating the primary path and MIMO capability information. Intermediate stations process these requests, adjusting path costs based on whether nodes are MIMO-capable. If the destination is MIMO-capable, secondary path discovery is initiated using an extended RREQ with a secondary path flag. Intermediate stations recognize secondary path segments as independent from the primary path and adjust cost metrics accordingly, favoring MIMO-capable nodes. Data is then transmitted simultaneously over both paths, improving throughput and reducing air-time usage. If the source is not MIMO-capable, the system falls back to conventional routing. The extended RREQ and RREP messages use distinct sequence identifiers to differentiate from standard routing messages, ensuring compatibility with legacy systems.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said instructions when executed by the computer processor are also configured for utilizing the conventional routing request (RREQ) when the wireless communication circuit is operating as a source wireless communication station which lacks multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically addressing routing in networks where devices may lack advanced capabilities like multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO). The problem solved is ensuring reliable communication in such networks by adapting routing protocols to accommodate devices with limited hardware features. The apparatus includes a wireless communication circuit and a computer processor executing instructions to manage routing. When the circuit operates as a source station without MIMO capability, it uses a conventional routing request (RREQ) to establish communication paths. This ensures compatibility with legacy devices while maintaining network efficiency. The system dynamically adjusts routing methods based on device capabilities, optimizing performance without requiring uniform hardware upgrades. The invention also includes mechanisms for handling routing requests when the wireless circuit acts as an intermediate or destination station, ensuring seamless data transmission across heterogeneous networks. By leveraging conventional RREQs for non-MIMO devices, the system avoids compatibility issues while supporting advanced features for capable stations. This approach enhances flexibility and scalability in wireless networks with diverse device capabilities.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said instructions when executed by the computer processor are also configured for transmitting data along only the primary routing path if it is determined that the destination wireless communication station does not have multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data transmission efficiency in networks with stations having varying capabilities. The problem addressed is optimizing data routing in heterogeneous networks where some wireless communication stations support multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technology while others do not. MIMO enables higher data rates and reliability through multiple antennas, but traditional routing protocols may not efficiently handle mixed-capability networks, leading to suboptimal performance. The apparatus includes a computer processor executing instructions to determine whether a destination wireless communication station supports MIMO. If the destination lacks MIMO capability, the system transmits data exclusively along a primary routing path. This ensures compatibility and avoids potential inefficiencies or errors that might arise from attempting advanced routing techniques with non-MIMO stations. The primary routing path is a predefined or dynamically selected route that guarantees successful data delivery to non-MIMO devices. This approach simplifies routing decisions and maintains network stability when dealing with legacy or less-capable devices. The system may also include additional features such as dynamic path selection, quality-of-service management, and adaptive modulation techniques to further enhance performance in mixed-capability environments. The invention aims to improve data transmission reliability and efficiency in wireless networks with diverse device capabilities.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said instructions when executed by the computer processor are configured for operating in different modes, comprising source wireless communication station, intermediate wireless communication station, and destination wireless communication station, depending on what role said apparatus is fulfilling within a current communication context.
This invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus designed to operate in multiple roles within a network, addressing the need for flexible and adaptable communication nodes. The apparatus includes a computer processor and instructions that, when executed, enable the device to function as a source, intermediate, or destination wireless communication station based on its role in a given communication context. As a source station, the apparatus initiates data transmission to other nodes. As an intermediate station, it relays data between source and destination stations, facilitating multi-hop communication. As a destination station, it receives and processes incoming data. The apparatus dynamically adjusts its operational mode to support various network configurations, such as mesh or ad-hoc networks, where nodes may switch roles to optimize routing and resource utilization. This adaptability enhances network efficiency, reliability, and scalability by allowing seamless transitions between roles without requiring hardware changes. The invention is particularly useful in environments where network topology is dynamic or unpredictable, such as mobile or IoT networks, where nodes frequently change their roles to maintain connectivity and performance.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said wireless communication circuit comprises a single-input-single-output (SISO) wireless communication circuit, comprising: (a) a transmitter data processor which receives source data, processes it for transmission according to the routing protocol; (b) a modulator receiving digital output from said transmitter data processor, converting it to an analog TX signal; (c) an analog spatial processor coupled to multiple antennas, and configured for receiving said analog TX signal and coupling this to the multiple antennas for wireless transmission; (d) a demodulator receiving analog input from said analog spatial processor, converting it to a digital signal; and (e) a receiver data processor which receives digital signals from said demodulator, and generates a sink data stream for output.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically a single-input-single-output (SISO) wireless communication circuit designed for efficient data transmission and reception. The system addresses the challenge of optimizing signal processing in wireless networks to improve data throughput and reliability. The apparatus includes a transmitter data processor that receives source data and processes it according to a routing protocol for transmission. The processed digital data is then fed into a modulator, which converts it into an analog transmit (TX) signal. This analog signal is passed to an analog spatial processor connected to multiple antennas. The spatial processor distributes the TX signal across the antennas to enhance wireless transmission performance. On the receiving end, the analog spatial processor captures incoming signals from the antennas and forwards them to a demodulator. The demodulator converts the analog input back into a digital signal, which is then processed by a receiver data processor. The receiver data processor reconstructs the original data stream, generating a sink data stream for output. This configuration ensures efficient data handling, leveraging spatial processing to improve signal quality and transmission efficiency in wireless communication networks. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring reliable and high-performance wireless data transfer.
19. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said wireless communication circuit is a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication circuit, comprising: (a) a transmitter data processor which receives source data, processes it for transmission according to the routing protocol; (b) a transmitter spatial processor which spatially converts the output from said transmitter data processor to spatial outputs; (c) a plurality of modulators each receiving one of the spatial outputs and converting it to an analog TX signal; (d) an analog spatial processor coupled to multiple antennas, and configured for receiving said analog TX signal from each of said plurality of modulators and coupling this to the multiple antennas for wireless transmission; (e) a plurality of demodulators receiving analog input from said analog spatial processor, converting it to digital receiver signals; (f) a receiver spatial processor which receives digital receiver signals from said plurality of demodulators, and spatially processes them into a digital data output; and (g) a receiver data processor which receives digital data output from said receiver spatial processor from which it generates a sink data stream for output.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) apparatus designed to enhance data transmission efficiency and reliability. The apparatus addresses the challenge of improving wireless communication performance in environments with interference and multipath fading by leveraging spatial diversity and multiplexing techniques. The MIMO wireless communication circuit includes a transmitter data processor that processes source data according to a routing protocol for transmission. A transmitter spatial processor then converts this processed data into spatial outputs, which are distributed to multiple modulators. Each modulator converts a spatial output into an analog transmit (TX) signal. These analog signals are fed into an analog spatial processor, which couples them to multiple antennas for wireless transmission. On the receiving end, the analog spatial processor captures incoming signals from the antennas and passes them to a plurality of demodulators. These demodulators convert the analog signals into digital receiver signals, which are then spatially processed by a receiver spatial processor to extract the transmitted data. Finally, a receiver data processor converts the spatially processed digital data into a sink data stream for output. This configuration enables high-capacity, robust wireless communication by exploiting spatial multiplexing and diversity gains.
20. A method for wireless communication between stations, comprising: (a) communicating from the wireless station acting as a source station to other wireless communication stations on a wireless network utilizing a routing protocol which controls a wireless communication circuit, as a wireless station, configured for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data streams; (b) determining that the source station is a multiple-input-multiple-output source station and has multiple simultaneous spatial data streams to be routed, and setting up a primary path and secondary path, comprising: (i) performing primary path discovery for the source station by sending an extended routing request (RREQ) with a route flag set to the primary path and containing MIMO capability information in establishing communications from the source wireless station to a destination station, through intermediate wireless communication stations; (ii) receiving an extended routing reply (RREP) to an extended routing request (RREQ), from the destination station; (iii) performing secondary path discovery, in response to receiving an extended routing reply from the destination station, by sending an extended routing request (RREQ) with the route flag set to the secondary path and containing MIMO capability information in establishing communications along the secondary path; (c) wherein an intermediate wireless communication station receiving an extended routing request (RREQ) with the route flag set to the secondary path adjusts path cost metric, including adjusting the metric based on whether stations have MIMO capability, for an independent next hop and broadcasting this extended routing request (RREQ) to neighboring stations if no previous routing reply (RREP) was received having identical addressing as the received extended routing request (RREQ); (d) determining by intermediate stations taking a localized action in recognizing that secondary path segments are not part of the primary path and adjusting a path cost metric to secure said secondary path as independent of said primary path, and adjusting the cost metric in response to determining signal processing capability, including whether the stations have multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capability; and (e) transmitting data from the source wireless communication station on the primary path and the secondary path simultaneously, toward the destination wireless communication station, to provide air-time savings by transmitting different data simultaneously along two paths; and (f) wherein if it is determined that the source station is not MIMO capable, then the routing process falls back to a conventional routing protocol using a conventional (non-extended) routing request (RREQ).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving data transmission efficiency in multi-hop networks using multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) technology. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of conventional routing protocols that do not leverage MIMO capabilities to transmit multiple spatial data streams simultaneously, leading to suboptimal air-time utilization. The method involves a wireless station acting as a source station communicating with other stations in a wireless network using a routing protocol that controls wireless communication circuits. The source station identifies itself as a MIMO-capable station with multiple simultaneous spatial data streams to be routed. It then establishes both a primary and a secondary path. Primary path discovery is performed by sending an extended routing request (RREQ) with a route flag set to the primary path and containing MIMO capability information. The destination station responds with an extended routing reply (RREP). Secondary path discovery follows, where another extended RREQ is sent with the route flag set to the secondary path, also containing MIMO capability information. Intermediate stations receiving the secondary path RREQ adjust the path cost metric based on MIMO capability and broadcast the RREQ if no previous RREP with identical addressing was received. Intermediate stations recognize secondary path segments as independent of the primary path and adjust the cost metric accordingly, considering signal processing capabilities, including MIMO. Data is then transmitted simultaneously on both paths to the destination station, improving air-time efficiency by sending different data streams concurrently. If the source station lacks MIMO capability, the system falls back to a
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January 12, 2021
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